The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a desperate need to win game 4 of the NBA playoffs Eastern Conference semi-finals after losing game 3 for 96-99. The Cavs trail 2-1 in the best of seven series and another loss could prove to be disastrous.
Hence, when the Cavs travel to United Center, they are required to come up with their best performance to draw the series level.
In the third game of the series, the Cavs failed to stop Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler as they put up an impressive performance to outplay the Cavs. Primarily, it was Derrick Rose, who shone above all with his 30-point game and not-to-forget his buzzer beater 3 pointer, which helped them win the game.
No wonder, Rose is one of the best NBA players. He is a complete player, who can win games single-handedly.
Bulls' Coach Tom Thibodeau was all praise for the player and even said that there are not many players like him.
"That's his greatness," Thibodeau told the team's official website. "There are not many like him. As a matter of fact, there are not any that combine the speed, the quickness, the power and he is shaking the rust off."
The Cavs are required to improve upon their game. Kyrie Irving had an off day in game 3 with just 11 points. This is not what coach David Blatt expects from his all star, but to be fair, it was reported that Irving played with a sore foot.
Irving does not want to make it an excuse.
"There are no excuses," AP quoted Irving as saying. "I'm not going to hang my head down on having a bad foot. I'm going to continue to have that attitude and that mindset to go out there to compete for my brothers."
LeBron James had a decent game with 27 points, but a little more help from other Cavs' players could have helped them cross the finishing line.
James has had to face a competitive Joakin Naoh in the series and some trash talking has also taken shape.
"I'm OK with competing against Jo," James said. "I love the competitive nature, but we should leave it there. The disrespectful words that he said to me were uncalled for."
Despite the 2-1 series lead, the Bulls are aware of the threat the Cavaliers bring to the table and especially if James and Irving fire in tandem, the Bulls will be in all sorts of trouble.
With the fifth game of the series to be played at Cavs' home, they will be eager to host Bulls with the series tied at 2-2.
Where to Watch Live
The NBA Playoffs semi-finals game 4 between Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers is scheduled for 3:30pm ET (1am IST, 8:30pm BST) start.
Viewers in the US can watch the game live onABC
Indian viewers can watch it live on Sony Six.
NBA fans can also watch the Playoffs live on NBA.com
